Re: [ATM] reducing mirror weight by sandblasting

[buck childers <bchilders@everestkc.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan Feldkhun" <glasspusher@mindswell.com>
<snip>
> should also clarify my previous email --  I am still in the design
stage
> and haven't ground or polished (or purchased) the mirror blank yet.
Any
> sandblasting/etching would be done before polishing.
<snip>

Dan you might want to discuss with Richard Swartz and his effort in
making lightweight "ribbed" mirrors.  If I recall correctly he had
"print through" issues during grinding/polishing due to the ribs that I
think would also hamper your efforts.

I read an article recently about "Liquidmetal(tm)" recently.  It's an
alloy of metals that creates an amorphous structure (as is glass); can
be heated and cast like plastic with a mirror finish with tolerances not
achievable through machining metal; is extremely hard; it can be
"foamed" or something such that it can be cast extremely light weight
for it's volume and still retain strength; with low expansion
coefficient, etc., etc....  It occurred to me that this may make a
suitable substrate for a cast mirror.  Anyone know of thoughts along
these lines?

Good luck with your project Dan.
-Buck

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